Al-Ḥamdu-Liʾllāh (الحمد لله)
Definition and Meaning
Al-Ḥamdu-Liʾllāh (الحمد لله) translates to “Praise belongs to God” or “All praise is due to Allah.” It is an expression known as Taḥmīd (تَحْمِيد), which is commonly recited to express gratitude and thanksgiving.
Etymology
- Arabic: الحمد لله
- Al-: A definite article “the.”
- Ḥamdu: From the verb “ḥamida” (حَمِدَ), meaning “to praise” or “to commend.”
- Li-: A preposition meaning “to” or “for.”
- ʾllāh: The word “Allah” (الله), the unique name for God in Islam.
Turkish Translation
- Elhamdülillah
Usage in the Qur’an
The phrase “Al-Ḥamdu-Liʾllāh” appears in the first verse of Surah Al-Fatiha, the opening chapter of the Qur’an:
<p><em>“Al-ḥamdu li-llāhi rabbi l-ʿālamīn”</em><br> <em>(الحمد لله رب العالمين)</em><br> “Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.”</p>
Cultural and Religious Significance
The phrase is widely used by Muslims in everyday language to show thankfulness for God’s blessings. It expresses joy, relief, and satisfaction, and it’s often said during prayer, at the end of a meal, after overcoming hardships, or when hearing good news.
Addition of “Rabbi ʾl-ʿālamīn”
The term “Rabbi ʾl-ʿālamīn” (رب العالمين) means “Lord of the Universe," and it is frequently added to the phrase, as seen in Surah Al-Fatiha. This addition emphasizes God’s sovereignty over all creation.
Books for Further Studies
- “Arabic-English Lexicon” by Edward William Lane: A comprehensive lexicon that details the meanings and uses of Arabic expressions, including religious phrases.
- “The Study Quran” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr: A modern commentary that provides an in-depth analysis of Quranic text, including translation and interpretation of Al-Fatiha.
- “The Cambridge Companion to the Qur’an” edited by Jane Dammen McAuliffe: Offers scholarly essays on various themes and concepts in the Qur’an, which includes discussion on key phrases like Al-Ḥamdu-Liʾllāh.
Takeaways
- Al-Ḥamdu-Liʾllāh is integral to Islamic worship and daily life.
- The phrase succinctly encapsulates a Muslim’s gratitude towards God’s blessings.
- Its prominence at the beginning of the Qur’an underscores its importance.
Conclusion
In Islamic tradition, Al-Ḥamdu-Liʾllāh holds profound significance, symbolizing gratitude, devotion, and praise. Its usage permeates both daily life and formal worship, reflecting the centrality of thankfulness in the Muslim faith. Understanding this phrase enriches one’s comprehension of Islamic spirituality and cultural practices.
By expanding the dictionary entry in this structured format, readers can grasp the full meaning and importance of Al-Ḥamdu-Liʾllāh in Islamic life and religious observance.
